Pennsylvania and federal authorities today arrested a Northampton County man at home on charges related to online sexual communications with a Virginia teenager, according to a news release.

Thomas Jeff Shelby, 46, of the 5600 block of Grace Avenue in Hanover Township, admitted during a search of his home to the unlawful communications and was arrested without incident, Pennsylvania State Police say in the release.

He used electronic devices, primarily email, to have graphic sexual communications with the girl and wanted to meet "for a long weekend for a physical sexual encounter," police said. Court records indicate Shelby knew he was communicating in a sexual manner with a 15-year-old.

The Spotsylvania, Va., Sheriff's Office Cyber Crime Unit had initiated the investigation after the parents of the girl discovered the online relationship and reported it Feb. 18, according to state police and court records. The alleged communications date to at least last Dec. 23, court records say.

Today, members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and state police patrol and Computer Crime Task Force units executed a search warrant at Shelby's home, police said.

Authorities said they seized a computer, two cellphones and a camera.

Shelby was arraigned before District Judge James Narlesky on charges of unlawful contact with a minor (obscene and other sexual materials and performances), corruption of minors, child pornography, selling obscene/sexual materials and criminal use of a communication facility.

He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled April 22 before Narlesky.

A call for comment to Shelby's attorney, Easton-based Anna Manley, was not immediately returned.